A trip to Brussels is an experience that blends European elegance, history and the simple pleasures of life. As the capital of Belgium and the heart of the European Union, Brussels offers something unique for every traveller. From enchanting squares lined with neoclassical buildings to narrow lanes full of cafés and character, this city reveals its riches at every corner.
Whether you are a lover of art and architecture, a devoted foodie, or simply looking for a different European destination, a trip to Brussels awaits you. In this article you will discover the must-sees, the best places to eat, and practical tips to make your trip unforgettable. Let’s begin the exploration!
Brussels is a city full of vitality, brimming with countless
things to see and do. Statues, parks,
museums, culturally rich hills and villas in art
nouveau and art deco architecture, even Europe in miniature –
Brussels has it all. We have put together a list of the
best sights of the Belgian capital.
The top sights in Brussels
Grand Place
The famous Grand Place
Surrounded by a town hall built in the 15th century, around 40
imposing buildings and the equally magnificent King’s House, the Grand
Place reveals its magic to you once you have walked through
small cobbled lanes. It is a UNESCO World Cultural
Heritage Site, known for its striking appearance. If you
visit it you will feel as though you have travelled back in time. Every
two years, its stones form the canvas of a beautiful
flower-covered carpet.
Atomium
The Atomium, the emblematic landmark of Brussels
Although nine spheres balancing on a few pillars may
look like something rather odd, the Atomium in fact represents
the structure of an iron crystal, magnified by
165 billion times. The engineer André Waterkeyn designed the
102-metre-tall monument for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair,
symbolising faith in and devotion to scientific progress. This
hybrid of building and sculpture gained such fame that it is now
a permanent landmark on the city’s skyline. (www.atomium.be)
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert arcade
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert arcade
The construction of this wonderful arcade is owed to the travellers of the
19th century. It is one of the first covered shopping arcades in
Europe. The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is divided into three
grand galleries, the King’s Gallery, the Queen’s and
the Prince’s, offering a luxurious setting to anyone taking
a stroll while gazing at the shop windows.
MIMA
Inside the MIMA museum
The MIMA (Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art) is a relatively
recent jewel of the city, having opened in 2016, yet it has already managed
to cause a stir and become a must-see stop for lovers of
art. It sits inside the old Bellevue brewery and looks out over the
canal, showcasing many forms of modern art, from graffiti
to digital art and works of subculture.
(www.mimamuseum.eu)
«Mount of the Arts» – Mont des Arts
«Mount of the Arts» – Mont des Arts
The Mont des Arts, which translates as «Mount of the Arts», is
a hill very close to Brussels Central Station, and
is a legacy of Leopold II. The Belgian king dreamed
of gazing from his palace upon a hub of culture, a wish that
led to the creation of a beautiful garden and magnificent
monuments (RMFA, MIM, Magritte Museum) as well as cultural temples
(Cinematek, Bozar).
Hôtel de Ville – Town Hall
The Brussels Town Hall
When you find yourself in the striking Grand-Place, do not miss
the chance to visit the Hôtel de Ville. The Town Hall, built in the
Gothic style, was constructed in 1402 and is the seat of the city
government. It is a charming building with arched windows, towers
and statues such as that of Saint Michael. The more adventurous can
climb the 96-metre Brabantine tower and enjoy the wonderful
view of the city.
The Manneken Pis statue – Petit Julien
The famous Manneken Pis statue
The boy depicted by this statue is an important figure in the
folk tradition of Brussels. It is perhaps the most photographed
statue in the city, even though it stands just 60 centimetres tall.
It was designed by Jérôme Duquesnoy and is a small fountain from which
water flows out of a small metal penis. It is usually naked,
though it is sometimes dressed – it has a wardrobe of 600
different outfits that are displayed in the King’s House (Maison du
Roi).
The City Museum – the King’s House
The King’s House in Brussels
The King’s House, Maison du Roi in French, is a striking
building and a work of art of the city. Even so, no king ever lived
here. The Flemish call it the «Bread House» (Broodhuis),
since this building replaced the city’s Bread Market, which
had stood there for hundreds of years. The museum is dedicated to the
history of Brussels and spreads over three floors, covering the
period from the Middle Ages to the present day.
(www.brusselscitymuseum.brussels)
Belgian Comic Strip Center
Belgian Comic Strip Center
Did you know that Belgium has more comic-strip artists per
square kilometre than anywhere else in the world? If you love
cartoons, you will adore this museum dedicated to comics.
It is housed in the Waucquez Warehouse, which is itself a work
of art designed by the art nouveau architect Victor Horta.
Visit it to take a journey through the art of comics.
There are more than 5,000 original drawings and an entire
section dedicated to the famous cartoon character and mascot of the city,
Tintin. (www.comicscenter.net)
Mini-Europe
«Mini-Europe» in Brussels
Next to the Atomium you will find Bruparck, a leisure park with
a vast area and many attractions and entertainment spots.
It includes a complex of 27 cinemas named Kinepolis,
a full-dome Imax screen, a planetarium and the L’Oceade water park,
as well as restaurants inside the «village». (www.bruparck.com)
Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Koekelberg Basilica)
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Koekelberg Basilica) in Brussels
The art deco Koekelberg Basilica is the fifth-largest church in the
world and is located in the Koekelberg district of Brussels. Its
striking dimensions (89 metres high and 167 metres long)
offer a view over Elisabeth Park. Although it was built on the model
of Notre-Dame de Paris, it is made of concrete, breeze block and
brick and, unlike the original church, it is not pure white. King
Leopold decided to build it in 1902, and construction
began in 1905 and was completed in 1975 to honour the anniversary
of 75 years of Belgian independence.
Once you have discovered all the tourist attractions, experience Brussels like
a local with 9 top experiences!
Things to do there — Brussels
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